IndyGo’s BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Purple Line Survey - Indianapolis, IN

Etica Group had the fortunate opportunity to provide survey services working with WSP for IndyGo’s BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Purple line, dating back to 2017 and completing in early 2026.  IndyGo’s Purple line route runs 15.2 miles from downtown Indianapolis to Lawrence and features 31 BRT stations.

From a survey perspective, the project started with a 10% conceptual design in 2017 that required some survey, but that changed quickly with the overall impact of the route and the immediate need to define exactly what infrastructure was present as well as how the public would benefit from pedestrian connectivity.

From the beginning, it was clear this project would provide a significant benefit from this major infrastructure investment throughout so many neighborhoods. Etica Group not only provided a location control route survey that was required for right-of-way engineering and land acquisition, but it also surveyed the entire route utilizing traditional methods, mobile mapping, over 450 curb ramps for ADA compliance as well as over 1,500 storm and sanitary structures showcasing their existing conditions from 2017 through 2022.  

The biggest challenges in the initial topographic survey were safety and meeting the schedule for the design team. The project was broken up into five sections based on design priority; however, safety was paramount with a lot of areas because of the site conditions. While some areas were still under construction from ongoing projects like curb and pavement upgrades and replacements, others such as the CSX Railroad crossing had just begun.

In 2025, Etica Group completed comprehensive as-built documentation for the reconstructed stormwater system and traffic assets, encompassing more than 980 structures, 18 bus stations and 27 intersections. To meet project demands efficiently, Etica Group deployed a minimum of two field crews dedicated to collecting as-built measurements, supported by an additional crew assigned to onsite safety and traffic control.

Each of the 18 bus stations were captured using traditional terrestrial scanning methods, documenting conditions from the roadway surface to the top of the station structure. At all 27 intersections, traffic signals, signage, utility poles, signal detector housings and associated cabinets were located and mapped. These assets were then incorporated into DPW’s asset management tables to support ongoing maintenance and system planning.